Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs in Others

People who are thinking about suicide may not know they are depressed. Certain thoughts, feelings, and actions can be signals that let you know a person may need help. Watch for these warning signs of suicide.

Warning signs

Threats or talk of suicide

Buying a gun or other weapon or hoarding medicines

Statements such as “I won't be a problem much longer” or “Nothing matters”

Giving away items they own, making out a will, or planning their funeral

Suddenly being happy or calm after being depressed

Expressing feelings of being a burden to others

Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviors

Withdrawing from people and activities

Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped

Sleeping too much or too little

Feeling there is no reason to live

Calling people to say goodbye

Experiencing chronic, unbearable pain

To be sure, ask

If you think a person you care about could be suicidal, ask, “Have you thought about suicide?” Most people will tell you the truth. If they say “yes,” they may already have a plan for how and when they will attempt it. Find out as much as you can. The more detailed the plan, and the easier it is to carry out, the more danger the person is in right now. Tell the person you are there for them and do not want them to harm him or herself. Don't wait to get help for the person.

For more information

Contact a local mental health clinic or the following:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK)

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

National Institute of Mental Health

866-615-6464

www.nimh.nih.gov

National Alliance on Mental Illness

800-950-6264

www.nami.org

Mental Health America

800-969-6642

www.nmha.org

National Suicide Hotline

800-784-2433 (800-273-SUICIDE)

In an emergency, call 911

Never leave the person alone. A person who is actively suicidal needs immediate psychiatric attention and continuous supervision. The person should never be left out of sight. Call 911 or a 24-hour suicide crisis hotline 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK). You can also take the person to the closest hospital emergency room (ER).

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